Power of Attorney

If someone is already incapacitated, you can’t obtain a standard power of attorney because it requires the principal to be mentally competent at the time of signing. Instead, you’ll need to petition a court for guardianship or conservatorship to gain legal authority over their affairs. However, if a durable power of attorney was set up…

To obtain power of attorney (POA) for a parent with dementia, act quickly while they still have legal capacity. You’ll need a durable POA (valid even after incapacity) and must follow strict state laws for signing. If capacity is lost, guardianship becomes necessary. Why a POA Is Critical for Dementia Care A power of attorney…

A medical power of attorney (POA) in Texas can authorize nursing home placement only if the principal is mentally incapacitated, the POA explicitly grants this authority, and the decision aligns with the principal’s best interests. However, agents cannot override the principal’s wishes if they are still competent. Medical Power of Attorney in Texas A medical…

Generally, only the principal (the person who created the POA) can revoke a power of attorney. Family members cannot revoke a POA on their own—unless they have legal authority, such as guardianship, or can prove the agent is abusing their power. Imagine This Scenario Your elderly father granted his new wife power of attorney (POA)…

A durable healthcare power of attorney (POA) allows your agent to make nursing home decisions only if you’re mentally unfit, and the document explicitly grants this authority. However, agents are not personally responsible for nursing home bills unless they mismanage funds or sign contracts improperly. Crisis Every Family Dreads Your mother, once a pillar of…

No, a power of attorney (POA) agent is not personally liable for nursing home bills—as long as they act within their authority and avoid agreeing to pay with their own funds. Their role is to manage the principal’s finances, not to cover costs themselves. Imagine This Scenario Your loved one needs nursing home care, and…

Yes, a power of attorney (POA) can place someone in a nursing home if the POA document explicitly grants healthcare decision-making authority and the principal is mentally incapacitated. However, if the principal remains mentally competent, their wishes override the POA’s power. Picture this: Your elderly loved one can no longer manage at home, and the…